Pasadena Plastic Surgery Blog

Breast Lift

When determining whether a breast lift is necessary with breast augmentation there are several factors to consider. These include the location of the nipple relative to the fold beneath the breast, the location of the breast gland relative to the fold, and the relationship of the existing skin/soft tissue envelope and the planned size and shape of the implant. Many times it is obvious to the patient and the evaluating surgeon that a lift is necessary to get a good result, e.g. if the nipple areola complex is pointing straight down, or if the majority of the breast gland is sitting well below the fold of the breast. The descent of the gland is referred to as “glandular ptosis”, the N-A descent is sometimes called “nipple ptosis”. The position of the gland itself as well as the relative position of the N-A complex is both important. For example if you are standing in front of a mirror, and the nipples are pointing straight down and most of the breast itself is below the line that your underwire makes you may benefit from some type of lift.

It’s really important to have great communication with your surgeon in the case of mild ptosis. There may be decisions to make that involve certain “trade-offs”. For example it may be that adding a lift, which may involve additional potentially visible scarring, improves the shape and quality of the result. You and your surgeon will discuss whether the anticipated improvement is enough to justify the “trade-offs” of doing the lift.

In some cases placing the implant alone will help improve the appearance of a mildly ptotic breast without adding a lift. The spectrum of “lifts” starts with a limited incision, leaving a scar around the areola, next could be the circular scar with a vertical component (sometimes called a lollipop or tennis racket shape), and a traditional “full lift” with the inverted “T” scar. A consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon will help sort out all the options.

Posted in Cosmetic Procedures, breast lift

Traditional Silicone v. highly cohesive form stable silicone (”Gummy bear”)

Technically all silicone devices are “cohesive.” The degree of “cohesivity” can range from minimal (more like liquid) to extreme (more like a solid). The Allergan style 410 and the mentor CPG are highly cohesive form stable silicone devices. These devices have increased cohesivity as compared to the current FDA approved silicone gel devices. It is this increased cohesion that allows for the device to be shape and form stable. These devices have the consistency or feel similar to a “gummy bear” candy and are frequently referred to as such on the internet.
Highly form stable silicone devices are available as part of ongoing FDA studies for primary augmentation and reconstruction. Though they have been in use since 1994 and are currently without restriction in Canada, Australia, and Europe it is still uncertain when they will be approved by the FDA and there are a limited number of surgeons in the United States who are participating in those studies. There are two separate trials for the Allergan style 410 (gummy bear) device, one for patients that have never had implants and another for those undergoing breast reconstruction or who desire removal and replacement of their current implants.
When looking objectively at the data and the “trade-offs” of all the devices (saline, traditional silicone, and highly cohesive for stable gel) there are some potential advantages for some patients with the form stable devices. Particularly for breast reconstruction, as well as for those breast augmentation patients with thin soft tissue cover who desire a very natural result. If you are interested in a gummy bear device seek out a plastic surgeon that will review the options and trade-offs after taking your history and listening to your desires and expectations. An examination and careful measurements of your breast and chest dimensions and tissues are important in the decision making process.

Posted in Breast Augmentation, Cosmetic Procedures

Lip Augmentation Plumping Your Pout

For those wanting fuller lips or wanting to get rid of the lines beginning to form around the mouth, lip augmentation could be right for you. Dr. Gross will carefully remove fat cells from another part of your body using mini-liposuction and re-inject it into the lips to create a fuller more youthful appearance.

The advantage of using the harvested fat cells rather than other filler substances is that the harvested cells won’t put the patient at risk for allergic reaction as may be the case with foreign substances. One injection at each corner of the mouth means  no stitches and less or no scaring. This procedure offers a rather quick recovery with little or no pain and some swelling lasting up to two weeks. Some of the fat injected will be reabsorbed into the body but the lasting result is fuller, more defined lips.

To discuss this and other cosmetic procedures available with Dr. Gross, schedule a consultation. He and his staff are happy to answer all your cosmetic surgery questions. See for yourself why he’s considered one of the best doctors in America by his peers.

Posted in Cosmetic Procedures

Los Angeles Blepharoplasty

When the effects of aging and genetics set in, some find that the skin around their eyes makes them look older than they want to. The appearance of bags or puffiness under the eyes, excess sagging skin, droopiness of the lower eyelids and fine wrinkles on the lower lids are all things than can be corrected with a procedure called Blepharoplasty. Patients of Dr. Gross that undergo blepharoplasty look more youthful and energetic.

The outpatient procedure on both upper and lower lids takes about two hours. Small incisions are made at various points in or around the eye depending on weather or not the upper or lower lid is being corrected. Through these incisions, fat can be redistributed or removed and the skin can be tightened. The incision lines for both upper and lower eye lid procedures blend nicely with natural structure of the eye are are hardly noticeable.

Dr. Gross and his staff can use this and other procedures such as mid face lift, face lift, and neck lift in conjunction with blepharoplasty to restore your youthful look. The knowledge you receive during a consultation with Dr. Gross will help you decide if blepharoplasty alone will offer the results you are looking for. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Gross today.

Posted in Cosmetic Procedures, eyelid surgery

410 Allergan Gummy Bear Breast Implants in Pasadena

Dr. John Gross, Plastic Surgeon of Pasadena, has been one of the few chosen Board Certified Plastic Surgeons to conduct a FDA approved clinical study on 410 Allergan Breast Implants, also known as the Inamed Style 410 Implants.

These implants were originally created with two purposes in mind: First, to make a longer-lasting implant, and second, to make an implant that would maintain a more attractive and predictable shape. The goal in maintaining the natural shape of the breast is achieved in two distinct ways. Most importantly, it is achieved by making the gel more cohesive or firm, so that it is less liquid-like and more solid than other silicone gel implants. For this reason, they are also known as the “gummy bear implants”. If a cohesive implant is cut in half, there is no gross movement of gel, and the implant maintains its shape.

For Pasadena Gummy Bear Breast Implants, Dr. John Gross is the surgeon to see.  Contact Dr. Gross today at 626-792-1222 or by email to find out if you qualify to take part in the 410 Allergan study.

Posted in Breast Augmentation

Tummy Tuck Los Angeles

Also known as abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck is a surgical procedure aimed to restore the shape and size of one’s breasts. Dr. Gross and his team are skilled in the area of abdominoplasty and are available to provide you with the services you need to achieve the body you desire. For more information on what a tummy tuck can do for you, visit John Gross today.

Posted in Cosmetic Procedures, tummy tuck

Breast Augmentation Pasadena

Pasadena Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. John E. Gross, uses the latest techniques and advances in Breast Augmentation surgery. If you are considering breast implants and would like to learn more, we invite you to contact Dr. Gross to setup for your personal, private breast augmentation consultation.

You can also learn more about the procedure by visiting our Breast Augmentation section or viewing our Breast Augmentation Before & After Photo Gallery.

We highly value patient education and want to make sure that you are well-informed before making the decision to undergo surgery.

Posted in Cosmetic Procedures